Suicide Facts & Information

Although suicide rates are increasing at an alarming rate, less than one in 10 who consider suicide make an attempt, and few go on to die by suicide. “This means that, in every community in the country, in every part of the world, we are living among people who have faced the worst of personal pain and doubt and have come through them to live better lives…”

~ Eduardo Vega, President and CEO, Dignity Recovery Action International

Suicide Facts

Most people who die by suicide don’t want to die, they just want the pain to go away.

80% of those who die by suicide give warning signs before.

Discussing suicidal feelings helps to relieve anxiety.

Most suicidal persons want to be relieved of pain.

Suicide affects all races, colors, and socio-economic groups.

Most people who die by suicide have made previous attempts.

Suicide attempts increase during springtime.

Risk Factors

Previous suicide attempts

Family history of suicide

Recent loss including: financial, employment, relational or social

Social isolation

Drug or alcohol abuse: can increase impulsivity

History of trauma, violence or abuse

Access to lethal means (firearms, pills)

Chronic illness

Local clusters that may result in suicide contagion (more prevalent in youth)

Connections

Positive relationships with family, friends, school, or other caring adults

Responsibilities at home or in the community

Health and Home

A safe and stable environment

Not using drugs and alcohol

Medical care including (mental, physical and substance use treatment)

Restricted assess to lethal means

Facts About Suicide and Mental Disorders in Adolescents

Suicide is not inexplicable and is not simply the result of stress or difficult life circumstances. The key suicide risk factor is an undiagnosed, untreated, or ineffectively treated mental disorder. Research shows that over 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their death.

In teens, the mental disorders most closely linked to suicide risk are major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, substance use disorder, and eating disorders. While in some cases these disorders may be precipitated by environmental stressors, they can also occur as a result of changes in brain chemistry, even in the absence of an identifiable or obvious “reason.”

Suicide is almost always complicated. In addition to the underlying disorders listed above, suicide risk can be affected by personality factors such as impulsivity, aggression, and hopelessness. Moreover, suicide risk can also be exacerbated by stressful life circumstances such as a history of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse; death, divorce, or other trauma in the family; persistent serious family conflict; traumatic breakups of romantic relationships; trouble with the law; school failures and other major disappointments; and bullying, harassment, or victimization by peers.

It is important to remember that the vast majority of teens who experience even very stressful life events do not become suicidal. In some cases, such experiences can be a catalyst for suicidal behavior in teens who are already struggling with depression or other mental health problems. In others, traumatic experiences (such as prolonged bullying) can precipitate depression, anxiety, abuse of alcohol or drugs, or another mental disorder, which can increase suicide risk.

Conversely, existing mental disorders may also lead to stressful life experiences such as family conflict, social isolation, relationship breakups, or school failures, which may exacerbate the underlying illness and in turn increase suicide risk.

Suicide Can Be Prevented

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If you are in a crisis, please call 911 or the 24-hour help line at 1-800-271-talk (8255).